Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know this is an on going topic and all, but I just saw something that's new to me. For the first year or so of my conda's life I used aspen as a substrate. Eventually I switched him over to newspaper(so much easier to clean!). I've always been somewhat concerned about the ink on the newspaper being harmful to my snake. Checking out the boa classifieds today I saw this post.. "ultimate anaconda substrate" .. it comes up when you do a search for anaconda. It sounds pretty good, but I really have no idea who manufactures it, what it's made of, potential dangers, etc.. if anybody has used or heard about this stuff, please give me your opinion.

Thanks,

David

` The "carbon black" ink used on newsprint has been free of lead since 1985. Most of that used today is soy based. In its dry and stable state on newspaper it is not toxic to the snake, or you.
` Clean newspaper is fine to deliver a human baby on, in a pinch. It leaves the presses sterile, due to the heat in the process.
` The only danger I know of from newspaper is from finely shredding it. You, and your critters, can inhale too much fiber from that.
` Stay away from glossy ( waxy ) and colored paper, and colored ink.
` Spend the money saved by using newspaper on more equipment, and critters !!!
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Thanks for finally setting my mind at ease. I just got a digital camera and will be posting some pics when/if I figure out how